Banjo Songs for Beginners. (DVD with Audio CD and PDF booklet on CD). By Ross Nickerson. For Banjo (5-String). Songbook. Bluegrass. Beginning. DVD/CD Set. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.881837001435).
Banjo Songs for Beginners Book(PDF on CD)/DVD/CD set includes fourteen must know banjo classics demonstrated in split screen video at three speeds. The book has easy to read tablature with accent marks for melody notes and both right and left hand fingerings indications. Also included in the book are tips for learning each song, instruction on practicing and using the chords, memorizing tips and other helpful advice to jump start you progress. The book is a PDF file on the included CD. The high quality studio recorded CD demonstrates each song clearly at three speeds for quick and easy learning. The DVD features split screen close-ups of each song at three speeds and has an added feature allowing you to quickly scroll through the songs without having to re-choose the speed you are working at.

First Jams: Fiddle by Lee Drew Andrews. For Fiddle. Improvisation. First Jams. Bluegrass. Beginning. Book/CD Set. 24 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.22079BCD).
ISBN 9780786682409. Bluegrass. 8.75" x 11.75" inches.
The First Jam series was created to give children and beginners of all ages a book of simple, common tunes to learn. These are standard "Jam" tunes in the Bluegrass/Old Time music styles. All the books in this series are written in the same keys; they can all be played together without any problems. So get your friends or family who play guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, dulcimer or Dobro together, grab these books and start jamming. Improvisation - Another idea behind writing the First Jam series was to provide a number of tunes that were easy to learn, but that are also a great to begin working on improvising. Each books offer the melody for that particular instrument as well as back-up chords for another instrument to accompany you. Each song is represented in notation with chord symbols. The accompanying CD has two tracks for each song. The first playing the song with the melody line, the second track offers just the backup so you can play the melody over it or even improvise. Tunes include: Cripple Creek, Old Joe Clark, Will the Circle Be Unbroken and many more.

Rawhide & Other Blistering Banjo Favorites by Murphy Henry. For Banjo (5-String). Solos. Bluegrass & Country. Beginning-Intermediate. DVD. Duration 120 minutes. Published by Murphy Method (MB.22047DVD).
Rawhide and Other Banjo Favorites: - Now on DVD! Been wanting'o tackle these hot jam tunes, but didn't know where to start? Murphy makes it easy! How? 1. By using easy-to-learn variations of basic Scruggs licks. 2. By explaining the hard parts in detail. Don't let mandolin players leave you in the dust when they play Rawhide! Leave them in the dust with Bluegrass Breakdown! Amaze other pickers with Theme Time. And finally, learn Hazel Creek, the theme song of the Murphy Method banjo videos. Bluegrass Breakdown, Theme Time, Rawhide, and Hazel Creek. No Tab. DVD length 2 hours.

Jim Van Cleve - Become a More Complete Fiddler by Jim Van Cleve. For Fiddle. Methods. Acutab. Bluegrass. Beginning. DVD. Duration 240 minutes. Published by Acutab Publications (MB.DJVC1).
Unlock the secrets of improvising in traditional American fiddle styles with this Grammy-nominated stage and studio master. In only ten years as a professional musician, Jim Van Cleve has made quite a name for himself in bluegrass and acoustic music. He's spent time with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, saw his debut solo CD nominated for a Grammy and toured all over the world with Mountain Heart. He's become a sought-after Nashville session player and one of the most admired fiddlers in bluegrass. Jim covers many things on these 2 DVDs, but they really break into three sections. After some discussion about early learning experiences, AcuTab's John Lawless leads Jim through a discussion on improvising and building solos on a number of popular bluegrass standards. Two songs, Banks of The Ohio and Pretty Polly, are each played and demonstrated in 3 different keys. Before demonstrating the tunes, Jim breaks down the scale and common positions for each key in turn. He shows where to find the melody, and where adjacent double stops are located, as well as licks and phrases that suit each song. Attention is given to both playing a melody-based solo and what a fiddle can do to assist the band sound in accompaniment. He also carefully teaches four songs he has recorded - three of his own (Nature of the Beast, Devil's Courthouse and #6 Barn Dance) plus Bill Monroe's classic Wheel Hoss. After being slowly demonstrated lick-by-lick, they are each shown (fast and slow) in a split screen orientation. A printed booklet with standard notation for each of these songs is included. Two screen orientations are available for the split screen sections, based on whether the left or right hand is of greater interest. Simply switch between them using the Angle key. Over 4 hours of instruction on 2 DVDs.

Banjo Picking Pattern Chart by Janet Davis. For Banjo (5-String). Rhythm/Backup. Bluegrass. Multiple Levels. Chart + Audio Down-Load. 4 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.20790).
ISBN 9780786681709. Bluegrass. 8.75" x 11.75" inches.
Over 190 licks and picking patterns at your fingertips for the 5-string banjo! Quickly and easily select picking patterns by chord to substitute in songs you already play, or combine patterns of your choice to create your own arrangements. The licks are organized and grouped by type, use, and by chord for on the spot improvising, arranging, and for changing a song you already know to make it "yours!" This easy to follow Picking Patterns Chart includes: traditional bluegrass licks and popular variations, roll patterns and variations, melodic style patterns, common up the neck licks, back up licks and moveable patterns for any chord, "famous" patterns by chord, licks identified from songs, moveable patterns by shape, licks for specific chords, pick up notes to begin a song, and popular endings. This easy to follow layout is organized for study as well. Students who follow this chart in order, from the first lick to the last, will find that it also teaches "lick" theory as it pertains to the identification, development and applications of licks in a brief, easy to understand method. A suggested exercise on how to improvise completes the chart. This chart fills a gap in understanding and applying banjo licks for all level players. It builds on the knowledge base of 5-string banjo students with an easy to follow layout by pattern type and technique. . . AND, is fun and easy to use! For all levels -- especially the intermediate player -- Standard G tuning, Key of G.

Bluegrass On Hammered Dulcimer by Jeanne Page. For Dulcimer (Hammered). Solos. Bluegrass. Intermediate. Book. 56 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.20807).
ISBN 9780786668502. Bluegrass. 8.75" x 11.75" inches.
Bluegrass on Hammered Dulcimer is a collection of tunes commonly found in the standard bluegrass repertoire. Favorite vocal pieces such as "A Man of Constant Sorrow," "Angel Band," "Keep on the Sunny Side," and "Will the Circle be Unbroken," are included along side hot instrumentals such as "Jerusalem Ridge," "Rawhide," "Big Mon," and "Blue Grass Stomp." Even traditional tunes that you think you know already such as "Bill Cheatham," "Farewell to Whiskey," "Forked Deer," and "Salty Dog" are given a new twist when presented as a typical bluegrass 'break.' Intermediate players and above will enjoy the challenge of learning more complicated versions of common tunes and performing them at the high-speed tempo that is expected in bluegrass music. Players are encouraged to use these examples of bluegrass breaks merely as a starting point. Improvisation is a key component in playing bluegrass style and players will enjoy experimenting with their own creations. Each tune has guitar chords notated above the music staff. Standard notation only.

Parking Lot Picker's Songbook - Fiddle Edition by Dix Bruce and Gerald Jones. For Fiddle. Songbook. Parking Lot Pickers. Bluegrass. Multiple Levels. Book/CD Set. 280 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.21662BCD).
ISBN 9780786681457. Bluegrass. 8.75" x 11.75" inches.
A collection, for fiddle, of over 200 great bluegrass, old time, country and gospel standards played by jammers and performers all over the world! Melodies are presented with standard notation, lyrics and chords. Learn to play songs written and recorded by the giants of traditional American music: Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, The Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Doc Watson and many more. Also includes step-by-step instruction on how to transpose any song to any key plus tips on fiddling by co-author Gerald Jones! The two CDs include recordings of EVERY song in the book.

ASAP Bluegrass Mandolin. (Learn How to Play the Bluegrass Way). Fretted. Softcover with CD. 112 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.1219).
ISBN 1574242458. 9x12 inches.
This book/2-CD pack delivers the meat & potatoes of bluegrass mandolin way beyond just teaching fiddle tunes! Players will discover how to find their way around the neck using common double stops, develop creative back-up skills, play solos to vocal tunes in the style of Bill Monroe, make up their own solos, and a whole lot more. For the average learner, this pack represents nearly two years' worth of lessons! Includes two instructional CDs: one plays every example in the book, and the second contains 32 songs performed by a bluegrass band with the mandolin parts separated on the right channel.

Ron Block: A Fresh Look At Bluegrass Banjo DVD by Ron Block. For Banjo 5 String. Methods. Acutab. Instructional video. Bluegrass. Beginning-Intermediate. DVD. Duration 225 minutes. Published by Acutab Publications (MB.DRB1).
There aren't many banjos players more widely heard, or who have performed before more people, than Ron Block. Working with Alison Krauss & Union Station since 1991, Ron's distinctive banjo sound has become nearly as much a part of the group sound as Alison's voice. Ron has taught in a limited number of workshops, but this is his first instructional DVD of any kind, offering a detailed look at his unique approach to the banjo. This 2 DVD release from AcuTab begins with Ron explaining how he learned, and what resources have been useful to him, plus how he looks at both left and right hand patterns. AcuTab's John Lawless leads him through a discussion of several topics, including tone production, Ron's use of bends and chokes, how he arranges solos, and improvisation. Ron goes into great detail about his practice routine, showing examples of exercises and drills he uses to stay in shape. He discusses how to use a metronome in your practice, with several examples. He also describes a number of guitar techniques and concepts which have informed his banjo playing, such as working within "boxes," or blocks of frets, and learning to visualize and play scales and patterns both vertically and horizontally. The meat of the DVD is in the songs Ron teaches, which are played in a number of keys and tunings. You'll learn Cluck Old Hen, Tiny Broken Heart, Man Of Constant Sorrow, I'll Remember You Love In My Prayers, Everytime You Say Goodbye, Bright Sunny South, My Poor Old Heart and Smashville. Each song is played with a band before Ron breaks it down lick by lick, and is then shown (medium and slow) in a split screen orientation. Three screen orientations are available for the split screen sections, based on whether the left or right hand is of greater interest - or seeing them both at equal size. Two audio mixes are available for the band sections: normal, and banjo-heavy. 3 hours and 45 minutes on 2 DVDs, with tab booklet.

Tony Trischka Master Collection of Fiddle Tunes for Banjo Book/2-CD Set edited by Tony Trischka. For Banjo (5-String). Solos. Bluegrass. Beginning-Intermediate. Book/CD Set. 256 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.99583BCD).
ISBN 9780786676316. Bluegrass. 8.75x11.75 inches.
A comprehensive repertoire book of fiddle tunes adapted for banjo, in easy to read tablature, by the renowned player and teacher of the 5-String Banjo, Tony Trischka. For the early picker to the advanced player, this book and its companion recordings on 2 CDs will enable the player to learn by example and broaden their technical range. Fiddle tunes have been adapted for Banjo since the early 1850s. The explorations contained here include a large collection of popular American fiddle tunes and a section of Celtic tunes played in the three major Bluegrass Banjo styles. These Bluegrass, Old Time and Celtic banjo traditions will expand the players' knowledge of the instrument, and deepen their understanding of bluegrass and traditional music. The techniques employed will build the players technical prowess and broaden their enjoyment of playing. And the tunes, both popular and lesser known, will add new variety to the next jam session! Tablature only. --Repertoire of fiddle tunes for the early to the advanced banjo player. --In easy to read tablature with 2 companion CDs. --Expands the players' knowledge of Bluegrass banjo styles and banjo music. --Builds playing skills and adds variety to their playing.

Bluegrass Mandolin by Various. For mandolin. Instrumental Solo Part and CD. Published by Music Minus One (MO.MMOCD5303).
ISBN 1596157658.
Here are some of the great classics for bluegrass mandolin. Listen to these wonderful interpretations, then you pick up your mandolin and play with the band!

Ron Stewart - A Bluegrass Banjo Professional DVD by Ron Stewart. For Banjo 5 String. Methods. Acutab. Bluegrass. Beginning-Intermediate. DVD. Duration 120 minutes. Published by Acutab Publications (MB.DRS1).
Ron Stewart has emerged in recent years as one of the most admired and influential banjos players in bluegrass music. His fluid - almost effortless - style is on display in this DVD, where Ron discusses his thoughts on many aspects of professional-level banjo playing - like finding and playing the melody on a vocal tune and positioning/adapting the right hand for the best tone. AcuTab's John Lawless hosts the DVD which will be of interest and great value to players at all levels of skill or experience. Beginning and interediate players will be able to learn several of the tunes and also profit from Ron's descriptions of finding the melody. More advanced players can tackle some of the tougher tunes, but can learn a great deal from simply watching and listening to Ron's fabulous tone! Ron also demonstrates and teaches a number of songs he has recorded.

Modern 5-String Banjo Method Grade 1 Book/2-CD Set by Alan Munde. For Banjo (5-String). Methods. Modern Method. Bluegrass. Beginning. Book/CD Set. 112 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.21639BCD).
ISBN 9780786677689. Bluegrass. 8.75x11.75 inches.
This method is designed for learning the finger style five-string banjo in a larger musical context than previous single style based methods. The Modern 5-String Banjo Method builds the theoretical and technical foundations needed to play in many styles. Beginning with a thorough grounding in the scales and chords coupled with well thought out fingerings in the keys of C, Am, and G, the student is presented with melodies, chord melodies, the folk strum, arpeggios, and the beginnings of the bluegrass banjo style. The varied and beautiful musical studies and exercises come from many traditions and offer a logical and organic approach to learning the five-string banjo leading the student to an authentic understanding of the processes and techniques needed for creating music on the five-string banjo. The Modern Method for Five-String Banjo is in tablature only.

The American Fiddle Method Vol. 2 Piano Accompaniment by Brian Wicklund and Bob Walser. For Keyboard (Piano). Methods. American Fiddle Method. Bluegrass & Country. Beginning. Book. 72 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.99472PA).
ISBN 9781840038774. Bluegrass & Country. 8.75x11.75 inches.
Private studio teachers, school string programs and Suzuki teachers preparing for recitals will welcome these tasteful piano accompaniments for the violin, viola and cello editions of Volume 2 of Brian Wicklund's American Fiddle Method. Acknowledged as the most widely used fiddle method in the country, Wicklund became aware of the increasing demand for a parallel piano accompaniment series and engaged his friend Bob Walser to take on the task of writing it. Collaborating closely with Wicklund, Walser was encouraged to adhere to the chord progressions suggested in the original books, but given leeway to add interesting variations in rhythm and harmony. The result is a book of arrangements that welcomes pianists to the jamming circle. Piano playing teachers, parents and siblings can now join in the fun, and fiddle tunes can be featured in concerts and recitals with the support of an accompanist. In addition, principals of accompaniment learned by playing these arrangements can be applied to accompanying other tunes, the voice or other instruments. The American Fiddle Method itself provides the beginner with the elements needed to become a proficient fiddler. Based on many years of teaching experience, the author introduces concepts and techniques that yield solid results. This method encourages creativity in the student by including variations of the tunes to illustrate how they can serve as a basis for improvisation.

The American Fiddle Method, Volume 2 - Fiddle Book/CD/DVD Set. (Intermediate Fiddle Tunes and Techniques). By Brian Wicklund. For Fiddle. Methods. American Fiddle Method. Bluegrass & Country. Intermediate. Book+CD+DVD. 64 pages. Duration 118 minutes. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.99472SET).
ISBN 9780786678020. Bluegrass & Country. 8.75x11.75 inches.
Designed as a follow-up to Volume 1, Volume 2 addresses such important skills as: 1) expanding a basic repertoire of common intermediate-level tunes, 2) learning to use low first position, 3) mastery of bowing down on the beat and corrective slurring, 4) artistic slurring, 5) understanding basic music theory, and 6) learning double-stop backup combinations. Some students who have studied violin or fiddle music before may be able to skip Volume 1 and start with Volume 2, assuming they are proficient at skills such as proper violin and bow placement and can play a small repertoire of fiddle tunes with good tone and intonation. The DVD supplement to his critically acclaimed American Fiddle Method Volume 2 continues and expands the skills introduced in Volume 1 and shares his pointers and shortcuts to help you learn to play the right stuff faster and better. Contents include: 27 intermediate/advanced tunes, rhythmic slur combinations; tricks for playing in tune; secrets of great tone; fluid bowing; backup and chops; playing in flatted keys; and powerful double stops.

The American Fiddle Method, Volume 2 - Fiddle DVD. (Intermediate Fiddle Tunes and Techniques). By Brian Wicklund. For Fiddle. Methods. American Fiddle Method. Bluegrass & Country. Intermediate. DVD. Duration 118 minutes. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.99472DVD).
Brian Wicklund is widely regarded as one of the top fiddle teachers in the country. He shares his knowledge in this DVD supplement to his critically acclaimed American Fiddle Method Volume 2. Brian continues and expands the skills introduced in Volume 1 and shares his pointers and shortcuts to help you learn to play the right stuff faster and better. Contents include: 27 intermediate/advanced tunes, rhythmic slur combinations; tricks for playing in tune; secrets of great tone; fluid bowing; backup and chops; playing in flatted keys; and powerful double stops.

Getting Into Bluegrass Banjo Book/CD Set by Alan Munde. For Banjo 5 String. Methods. Getting Into. Bluegrass. Beginning-Intermediate. Book/CD Set. 96 pages. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.20803BCD).
ISBN 9780786675579. Bluegrass. 8.75x11.75 inches.
The Getting Into Bluegrass Banjo book and CD by Alan Munde is the accumulation of successful teaching concepts developed in his 40 plus years as a professional bluegrass musician and teacher. Munde presents a straight-forward and well-founded course of bluegrass banjo essentials. Designed for those who have never played a stringed instrument to those taking up bluegrass banjo as a second instrument. -- Getting Started - Covers the parts of the banjo, hand positions, first picking patterns, pull-offs, hammer-ons, slides, exercise songs, ending with the professional sounding "Levelland Mountain Breakdown." -- Review of Rolls, New rolls, and combinations of Rolls, with Examples - Offers the most used rolls in bluegrass banjo playing with often-played examples of each. The player learns many of the licks used in the style with an example of how to combine them to make a solo. -- Roll Logic - How to place a melody into the several different roll patterns. -- Tools and Techniques - Helps develop left hand techniques through the use of intervals of thirds and sixths. -- Creating Solos to Songs - At the heart of the book is this revealing section with many examples of how to create many, many solos to the song "Jesse James." -- Songs - Put to use all you have learned on these great standards "Ground Hog," "Wildwood Flower" (two versions),"Nine Pound Hammer," "Worried Man Blues," "Lost All My Money," "Old Country Church," "Kneel at the Cross," and "Train 45.".

Jam Session Standards DVD by Murphy Henry. For Banjo (5-String). Methods. Bluegrass. Intermediate. DVD. Duration 110 minutes. Published by Murphy Method (MB.21705DVD).
One of our most popular videos is now on DVD! Same great songs with a clearer picture and better sound. If you don't think you are a beginner, but don't know where to start, we suggest Jam Sessions Standards. Familiar songs, solid Scruggs arrangements, with vamping included. All tunes explained note-by-note. A great place to start if you are trying to break away from tab. Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms, Salty Dog, Mountain Dew, Dueling Banjos, Rocky Top. No Tab.

All Star Bluegrass Jam Along. (For Fiddle). By Darol Anger. Homespun Tapes. Bluegrass, Play Along. Softcover with CD. 44 pages. Homespun #CDANGJA01. Published by Homespun (HL.641946).
ISBN 1597731277. Bluegrass, Play Along. 9x12 inches.
These fabulous collections for players of all levels feature 21 must-know bluegrss songs & instrumentals, created especially for learning players by the genre's leading artists. The artist plays a basic solo that states the melody of the tune, then a more adventurous improvisation, and each solo is transcribed in detail. The CD provides the audio versions of the solos, plus multiple rhythm tracks performed at moderate tempo for easy play-along. This great series will help you build your repertoire & get your licks in shape, so you can shine in your next performance or jam session!Songs include: Bill Cheatham • Blackberry Blossom • Down in the Willow Garden • I Am a Pilgrim • I'll Fly Away • In the Pines • John Hardy • Old Joe Clark • Soldier's Joy • more!